So you have decided to do a family history genealogy search. How do you begin with one of your ancestors if you only know a name and a place?

Step 1: Find the Death Certificate

When you know where one of your ancestors died, and don’t know other information like birthplace for example. Then you can order a copy of the death certificate from the town/city where your ancestor died. This usually costs about $5 and will tell you their age, birthplace, sometimes parents and sometimes how they died and who survived them.

Step 2: Find the Marriage Certificate

In this case you can write to the town/city or the church where they were married to obtain a copy of the marriage certificate. This will reveal a lot of useful information.

Step 3: Birth Certificate
Once you have the death certificate and/or marriage certificate you will then have the date of birth. It is now time to write to get a copy of the birth certificate. This will reveal the full name, birthplace and the person’s parents. If the person was adopted however it is possible that the birth certificate only carries the birth date and place of birth. However, its always worth checking.

If you have trouble with the particular town, use the US Vital Records for Genealogy to find the information you need.

Check NARA for state census information
NARA, the National Archives
Every 10 years each state has done a census. NARA has many locations throughout the US to review and read microfilm of state census records. You can find the microfilm number you are searching for at their website.

Go see your local LDS Family History Center
The Latter Day Saints have family history centers all over the world. Go here to look up a location near you. You will find a ton of information at the center or they will help you locate it via the internet and microfilm.